Filling valve



f Aug. 25, 1931. T. MCGHEE ET AL 1,820,197

FILLING VALVE f Filed Mar-Ch 19, 192s Pfr-EP woop/11255' Patented Aug. 25, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT .OFFICE TEUR/MAN MCGHEE AND PETER XVOODHEAD, OF HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNORS, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO SPR-AGUE-SELLS CORPORATION, OF HOOPESTON, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE FILLING VALVE Application led March 19, 1923. Serial No. 626,110.

This invention relates to a lling machine and especially to a machine for illing cans, jars, bottles and the like, with liquids, semiliquids, etc. j

Most lling machines in use today,and particulariy that type employed in fruit canneries for filling cans with syrup, are so designed that the head of the filling valve enters the can or the receptacle to be filled during the fillingoperation. The object in soentering the can is to provide a displacement member whereby a predetermined liquid level will be obtained in the can when the valve is removed. In actual practice this has proven to be rather a serious objection as it has been found that the head of the Valve when entering the can has a tendency to crush and out the contents, this being particularly true when handling larger fruits, such as peaches, pears and the like.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a filling valve which is so constructed that the objections referred to may be entirely eliminated, this being accomplished,

first, by removing the displacement head, and secondly, by forming a liquid seal or trap in the filling valve which will serve the same function as the displacement head. Another purpose of the present invention is to generally improve and simplify the construction and operatic-n of the same, and to so arrange the parts that they may be readily'separatcd or taken apart for cleaning, inspection, repairs, etc.

One form which our invention may assume is exemplified in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a central, vertical section through 40 the valve, showing it in closed position.

Fig. 2 is a similar view, showing the valve in open position.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the valve.

Fig. 4 is a central,vertical section, showing a modified form of the valve.

Referring to the drawings in detail, A indicates the main supply tank or reservoir, and B the filling valve forming the subject matter of the present invention. The filling valve consists of a cylindrical casing 2, in

ket 10 carried by the sliding valve.

which is slidably mounted a combined Valve and venting member generally indicated at C. Formed on the upper end of the cylindrical casing 2 are three upwardly extending arms such as indicated at 3, which are connected by horizontal arms 4 with a central bearing member or support 5. The casing 2, the arms 3 and 11, andthe central bearing member 5, are stationary and no movement is imparted thereto as the cylindrical casing is secured to the bottom of the tank by means of screws 6 or the like. The valve proper is slidably mounted in the casing 2 and passes through a stuiiing box 7 carried by the lower end of the cylindrical casing, this stuffing 65 box being provided for the purpose ofy preventing leakage between the casing 2 and the sliding valve. The valve cooperates with a stationary valve seat member generally indicated at 8. This member is provided with an annular seat 9 which is engaged by a gas- The valve seat member is also provided withjan annular' upwardly extending rib or flange 11, and as it is secured to the central bearing member 5 by means of a stud or rod 12, it can readily be seen that it is stationary and that no movement is imparted thereto. Formed on the interior surface ofthe sliding valve is an annular shoulder 13, and extending Vinwardly from the same and terminating in a bearing 14, are a plurality of spider like arms 15; these arms being formed as an integral part of the sliding valve. Interposed between the bearing 14; and the stationary bearing member 5 is a helical spring 16. This spring serves the function of exerting downward pressure on the sliding valve so as to'normally maintain the gasket 10.in engagement with the annular seat 9 of the stationary valve seat member 8. 1

Formed on the underside of the annular shoulder 13 is an annular recessV 17 which is provided for the reception of the gasket 10, and formed concentric therewith and also on the lower side of the annular shoulderv 13is an annular recess 18 which cooperates with the annular flange 11 to form a liquid seal, hereinafter to be described. i

Formed in the outer wall of the sliding 100 i valve are siX vertical venting passages such as indicated at 19, and forming a continuation thereof are a similar number of venting tubes, such as indicated at 20. These tubes terminate in goose-necks as indicated at 21 and are so elevated as to extend above a normal liquid level maintained in the tank A, as indicated at 22. Y

To clearly illustrate the use of the valve we first wish to state that it is particularly intended for use in canneries, where fruits, such as peaches, pears, apricots and the like, are being canned. Assuming that peaches are being handled, the following operation takes place: The peaches are first graded in the Cannery. They are then peeled, pitted and cut into halves and finally washed. After the washing operation they are placed in empty tin cans, such as indicated at 23, and are then usually passed to a draining machine where any adhering wash water is drained olf or removed. The cans with the fruit Vplaced in them are then delivered to a so-called syrup filling machine as it is preferable to cook the peaches in a syrup or sugar solution. The valve shown in this instance is provided for the purpose of delivering the syrupto the cans and for filling the same to approximately one-fourth of an inch from the top as they are then more readily handled during the succeeding operations; that is, the cansv after passing through the syruping machine usually travel through an exhaust bon where the contents are heated; then to a capping machine and a double seamingV machine, and finally tothe cooker where th-e cookingoperation takes place. In other words, the several operations through which the cans pass after the syrup is applied, are such that the syrup will be partlyspilled or wastedif the cans are filled too full. It is for this reason that a predetermined level is desired and no more. The filling of the cans by means of `the valve here illustrated takes place as follows:

rlChe cans packed with` fruit, such as indicated at 23, are placed under the valve and are then raised in an upward direction. During the upward movement of the cans, the upper edge or flange of the can indicated at 24 engagesthe gasket 26 carried by the slid- 'ing valve C. This gasket seals the top of the 'can kand it furthermore lifts the sliding valve so `that it will assume the position shown in Fig. 2. As this is the case, the valve or gasket 17 is raised with relation to the valve seat 9 and an open annular passage is thus formed between the tank A and the can; this passage being indicated by the arrows a. The liquid is thus free to flow or enter the can and will continue to enter until the liquid level indicated at 27 in Fig. 2, is assumed. At this point theA liquid enters the venting openings .19 and will continue to rise therein until the liquid level maintained in the tank A and indicated at 22 is reached; that is, air is trapped between the top of the liquid and the liquid seal passage formed by the annular recess 18 and the annular flange 11. The liquid in the can cannot therefore rise above that indicated at 27 as air cannot escape downwardly through the annular passage indicated at 28. The can is lowered the moment it is filled and spring 16 at the same time forces `the sliding valve downwardly until the gasket or valve 10 engages the seat 9. The annular discharge passage is thus closed and further liquid willbe prevented from entering the can. As the can is further lowered, the liquid contained in the venting tubes reenters the can and the liquid level therein is slightly raised, but as the amount of liquid contained in the venting tubes can be prede-` termined by the size of the venting tubes, it is obvious that a predetermined level will finally be obtained in the cans.

In Figs. 1, 2 and 3 we have shown the venting tubes as being carried by the slidingvalve. This is not exactly essential as the vent can just as well be located in the stationary stud or roll 12, as indicated at 30. in Fig. 4t. The

type of structure shown in Fig. 4e is particulai-ly adapted for lling cans or bottles with liquid, semi-liquids, such as soup, etc., and it may also be employed in connection with bottles and other forms of containers. The structure shown in Fig. l is otherwise identical to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the only difference beine: that the vent is located in the stud 12. This particular structure would not be suitable where previously packed cans,

Ycontaining peaches, pears, etc., are being filled with syrup as the central projection shown at 31 wouldV tend to cut or perforate the topmost sections of the fruit. This is avoided when employing the structure shown inFigs. land 2, as the venting tubes are carried by the annular sliding valve member C, this forming a hollow space within the valve and a flat surface on the lower side of the member 8, which cannot possibly cut, bruise or injure. the fruit. An air trap or pocket is at the vsame time formed and as the liquid seal operates in conjunction therewith, any air can escape and practically any displacement desir-ed is thus obtained without the use of entering a displacement head such as referred to earlier in the specification.

TWhile certain features of the present invention are'more or'less specifically illustrated, we wish it understood that various changes in form and proportion may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims, similarly that the materials and finish of the several parts employedmay be such as the experience and judgment of the yinanufacturer may dictate or various uses may'demand. Y

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l'lli Y Having thus described our invention, what we lclaim and desire to secureby Letters Patent is y l 1. A device of the character described, comprisingva casing, an annular valve slidably mounted therein, the upper end of the valve being in communication with a source of liquid supply and the lower end forming a discharge outlet, a stationary valve seat mem ber, a cup formed on said valve seat member and adapted to form a liquid trap, an extension on the discharge end of the valve adapted to be submerged in the cup whether the valve is open or closed, said extension, to-

gether with the cup, forming a liquid seal for the end of the valve.

l 2. A device of the character described, comprising acasing, an annular valve slidably mounted therein, the upper end of the valve being in communication with a source of liquid supply and the lower end forming a discharge outlet, a stationary valve seat member, a cup formed on said valve seat member and adapted to form a liquid trap, an extension on the discharge end of the valve adapted to be submerged in the cup whether the valve is open or closed, said extension, together with the cup, forming a liquid seal for the end of the valve, and an annular gasket carried by the valve and engageable with the valve seat member to form a closure for the valve.

3. A device of the character described, comprising a casing, an annular valve slidably mounted therein, the upper end of the valve being inv communication with a source of liquid supply and the lower end forming a discharge outlet, a stationary valve seat member, a cup formed on said valve seat member and adapted to form a liquid trap, an extension on the discharge end of the valve adapted to be submerged in the cup whether the valve is open or closed, said extension, together with the cup, forming a liquid seal kfor the end of the valve, and an annular extension formed on the valve and extending below the stationary valve seat member, said annular extension forming an air trap which is sealed by the liquid seal.

4. A device of the character described, comprising a casing, an annular valve slidably mounted therein, the upper end of the valve being in communication with a source of liquid supply and thelower end forming a discharge outlet, a stationary valve seat member, a cup formed on said valve seat member and adapted to form a liquid trap, an extension on the discharge end of the valve adapted to be submerged in the cup whether the valve is open or closed, said extension, together with the cup, forming a liquid seal for the end of the valve, an annular extension formed on the valve and extending below the stationary valve seat member, said annular extension forming an air trap which tain a liquid, of a cylindrical casing secured to the bottom of the tank, an annular valve slidably mounted in the casing, the upper end of Said valve being in communication with the liquid in the tank, and the lower end of said valve forming a discharge outlet, an annular shoulder Jformed in the valve, a stationary valve seat member with which said an- Yniilar shoulder is adapted to engage, a cup carried by the stationary valve seat member and forming a liquid receptacle, an extension on the discharge end of the valve extending down into the cup and lremaining submerged therein regardless of whether the valve is open or closed, a second annular extension on the valve extending below the stationary '7 valve seat member and forming an air pocket, and a plurality of venting passages formed in the valve, said venting passages extending to a point below the air pocket andcoinmunieating with a point above the liquid level 3150 maintained in the tank.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination with a tank adapted to contain a liquid, of a. cylindrical casing secured u to the bottom of the tank, an annular valve slidably mounted in the casing, the upper end of said valve being in communication with the liquid in the tank and the lower end of said valve forming a discharge outlet, an an- "icc vnular shoulder formed in the valve, a sta` tionary valve seat member with which said annular shoulder is adapted to en gage, a cup carried by the stationary valve seat member and forming` a liquid receptacle, an extension on the discharge end of the valve extending down into the cup and remaining submerged therein regardless of whether the valve is open or closed, a second annular extension on the valve, extending below the stationary valve seat member and forming an air pocket,

a plurality of venting passages formed in the valve, said venting` passagesextending to a point below the air pockerand communicating with a point above the liquid level mainl tained in the tank, and means vfor normally maintaining the valve in engagement with the stationary valve seat-member.

7. In a device of the characterdescribed,

the conibin ation with a tank adapted to contain a liquid, of a cylindrical casing secured to the bottom of the tank, an annular valve slidably mounted in the casing, theupper end of said valve beingin communication with the liquid in the tank. and the lower end ,A of said valve 'forming a discharge outlet, an

annular shoulder formed in the valve, a stationary valve seat member with which said annular shoulder is adapted to engage, a cup carried by the stationary valve seat member and lorming a liquid receptacle, an extension .onthe discharge end of the valve extending down intoy the cup and remaining submerged therein regardless of whether the valve is -open or closed, a second annular extension on the valve extending Vbelow the stationary valve seat member and forming an air pocket, a plurality of venting passages formed in the valve, said venting passages extending to a point below the air pocket and communicating with a point above the liquid level maintained inthe tanlr, and a spring normally exerting a pressure on the sleeve valve to maintain it in engagement with the stationary valve seat member.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination with a tank adapted to contain a liquid, of a cylindrical casing secured to the bottom of the tanlr, an annular valve slidably mounted in the casing, the upper end of Said valve being in communication with the liquid in the tank, and the lower end of said valve forming a discharge outlet, an annular shoulder formed in the valve, a stationary valve seat member with which said annular shoulder is adapted to engage, a cup carried by the stationary valve seat member and forming a liquid receptacle, an extension on the discharge end of the valve ez;- tending down into the cup and remaining submerged therein regardless of whether the valve is open or closed, a second annular extension on the valve extending below the stationary valve seat member and 'forming an air pocket, a plurality of venting passages formed in the valve, said venting passages extending to a point below the air vpocket and communicating with a point above the liquid level maintained in the tank, an exterior annular. flange formed on the sleeve valve ane adjacent the lower end thereof, and a gasket carried thereby adapted to form a sealbetween the valve and the can to be filled.

9. A device of the character described comprising a casing, an annular valve slidably mounted therein the upper end of the valve being in communication with a source of liquid supply, and the lower end of the valve forming an annular can closure, a diskshaped stationary horizontally disposed valve seat member at the lower end of the annular valve, an annular flange on the annular valve adapted to seat upon the stationary valve and means carried by said annular valve adapted to enter a can whereby the liquid level in the can is determined'.

10. A device of the character described comprising a casing, an annular valve slidably mounted therein, the upper end of the valve being in communication with a source lof liquid supply and the lower end of the Valve forming a canclosure, a disk-shaped stationary horizontally disposed valve seat member at the lower end of the annular valve, an annular flange on the annular valve ladapted to seat upon the'stationary valve and 'a plurality ofven't :members carrie'dbyls-aid annular valve-,said vent members adapted to enter a can when lling the same the lower ends of said vent members terminat- .l

Vlngat a point below the vcan closing end of the 'annular valve and thereby determine a final liquid level in'a can,

l1. A device of the character described,

comprising a member adapted to close and t, seal the upper end of a can, said member having a discharge opening formedtherein disposed above the top of the can to be sealed .and said member and -dlscharge opening being'in communication with asource of liquid.

supply, means co-operating with said member for opening and closing said opening, means interposed betweensaid member and opening and closing means for forming a liquid seal, and means carried bysaid memx ber and adaptedV to enter the can to determine aV final 'liquid level therein: l

l2. A device of the character described,

comprising a member having an annular Vflange formed thereon adapted to close and c seal the upper end of the can, ls aid member having a discharge opening formed therein disposed above said annular flange and above the can when closed and sealed bythe fiange and said member and discharge opening being in communication with a sourcel jof liquid supply, means co-operating with said memberto open and close the discharge opening, means-interposed between said member and opening and closing means for forming ,a liquid seal, and means carriedby said member adapted to enter the canto determine a final liquid level therein, said liquid level determiningmeans entering the can before the discharge is open and being removed,y

charge opening. I y l 13. Ina device of the character described, an annular and movably mounted valve, the

from the can only after'fclosure ofthe dis-4 upper end of the Valve being in communication with a source of liquidsupply andthe lower end forming a discharge outlet, astationary seatfor said valve, and means .interposed between the valve and seat `for formingY an annular and movably mounted valve, the l upper end of the valve being in communica'- tion with a source of liquid supply andthe lower end forming a discharge outlet, asta tionary seat for said valve, means interposed vbetweenthel valve and-seat for forming Va liquid seal when the Valve is open, and a Venting member in said Valve.

16. In :L device of the character described, an annular and movably mounted Valve, the upper end of the Valve being in communica- Jsion with a source of liquid supply and the lower end forming a discharge outlet, a stationary seat for said valve, flanges on the valve and seat for forming a liquid seal when the Valve is open, and a venting member in said Valve.

THURMAN MGGHEE. PETER WOODHEAD. 

